U.S. patent application number 12/258556 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for method of operating a multi-function flashlight.
This patent application is currently assigned to EMISSIVE ENERGY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Alexander Calvino, Robert D. Galli, Christopher J. O'Brien.
Application Number | 20100026205 12/258556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40899020 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100026205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Galli; Robert D. ; et
al. |
February 4, 2010 |
METHOD OF OPERATING A MULTI-FUNCTION FLASHLIGHT
Abstract
A multi-function flashlight device is provided in either an all
white light emitting diode (LED) or a colored LED version that
allows versatile functionality. The flashlight is fashioned to have
an outer housing that includes both an integrated means for
interfacing the flashlight with a firearm and a surface thereon
that serves as a handgrip. The outer housing of the flashlight is
configured to be engaged by a clamping assembly that facilitates
integration of the flashlight with standard firearm accessory rail
assemblies. The flashlight head includes a high-output white LED
positioned centrally within an optical element such as a reflector.
Should the flashlight be a colored light, four other positions are
provided around the periphery of the lens that contain colored
LEDs. The flashlight provides the user the ability to selectively
and individually control the mode of operation for all of the LEDs
contained therein.
Inventors: |
Galli; Robert D.; (North
Kingstown, RI) ; O'Brien; Christopher J.; (Wakefield,
RI) ; Calvino; Alexander; (Cranston, RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARLOW, JOSEPHS & HOLMES, LTD.
101 DYER STREET, 5TH FLOOR
PROVIDENCE
RI
02903
US
|
Assignee: |
EMISSIVE ENERGY CORPORATION
North Kingstown
RI
|
Family ID: |
40899020 |
Appl. No.: |
12/258556 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61024293 |
Jan 29, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
315/294 ;
315/291; 315/313 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/35 20130101; F41G
11/003 20130101; F21V 9/083 20130101; Y10S 362/80 20130101; F21V
29/89 20150115; F21L 4/00 20130101; F21V 29/70 20150115; F21L 4/027
20130101; F21V 23/0421 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801 |
Class at
Publication: |
315/294 ;
315/291; 315/313 |
International
Class: |
H05B 37/02 20060101
H05B037/02; H05B 41/36 20060101 H05B041/36 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a flashlight comprising: moving a selector
to a first position in electrical communication with a first
electronic device in a plurality of electronic devices, the first
electronic device having a first measurable value; reading the
first measurable value; executing an operational instruction stored
in a memory register corresponding to the first measurable value to
energize the flashlight; selectively repeating the process to
execute an operational instruction corresponding to each of the
electronic devices within the plurality of electronic devices.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said electronic devices are
selected from the group consisting of: resistors, capacitors and
inductors.
3. The method of claim 1, said selector further comprising: a
rotary selector; and a momentary selector; wherein the rotary
selector, in the first position allows the user depress the
momentary selector to select a first mode of operation
corresponding to the measurable value of the first position.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the rotary selector can be moved
to a plurality of positions to allow the user to select a mode from
the group consisting of: programming, momentary, strobe, constant
on, high brightness and low brightness.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein engaging said momentary selector
for less than a predetermined period of time energizes said
flashlight in a first mode and engaging said momentary selector for
longer than said predetermined period of time energizes said
flashlight in a second mode.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first and second modes are
selected from the group consisting of: programming, momentary,
strobe, constant on, high brightness and low brightness.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the first and second modes are
selected from the group consisting of: momentary and constant
on.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined period of time
is less than 1 second.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined period of time
is less than one half second.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said flashlight includes a
plurality of light emitting diodes.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of light emitting
diodes are each a different color from one another.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the rotary selector can be
moved to a plurality of positions to allow the user to select a
color in which the flashlight is selectively energized.
13. The method of claim 1, the selector comprising: a tape switch
having a first button and a second button thereon, wherein the
first button provides a first signal to execute a first mode of
operation and the second button provides a second signal to execute
a second mode of operation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from
earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/024,293,
filed Jan. 29, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to multi-functional
flashlight assemblies. More specifically, the present invention
relates to a multi-functional flashlight assembly that includes a
unique switching mechanism that provides a plurality of different
functions while also exhibiting ease of use and increased
durability even in rugged use environments, such as those
encountered in military applications
[0003] In the prior art, flashlights for use in military
applications have typically been constructed in a standard fashion
with a large diameter tubular outer housing. As a consequence, such
a flashlight required a large mounting assembly in order to
facilitate mounting of the flashlight onto a weapon such as an M-16
rifle. Generally, modern type firearms include such an interface
rail integrated thereon for the mounting of auxiliary devices. The
rail is known in the art as a Weaver type interface and takes the
form of a rail having a dovetail cross-sectional profile that
extends over the receiver of the firearm. Additionally, there are
several supplemental rail systems that mount onto such firearms by
interfacing with the Weaver rail on the firearm and extending along
and around the barrel to provide additional interface rails both
along the top of the firearm as well as at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock
positions around the barrel. All of the interface rails are
provided having a standardized profile and are configured
specifically for the mounting of various accessories depending on
the type environment in which the firearm will be used.
[0004] To interface a flashlight with an interface rail a mount is
provided that typically employs a heavy gauge band, which is
wrapped around the entire outer housing of the flashlight and also
includes projections to one side of the band where a large
thumbscrew is positioned to allow a user to tighten the band around
the flashlight. Further, the band is affixed to a mounting clamp
that allows the band containing the flashlight to be installed onto
the firearm interface rail. The difficulty is that such an
interface is bulky and is prone to snagging on things as the
solider quickly moves in a combat situation.
[0005] Other difficulties with such flashlights include the fact
that they are typically single function devices that must be
exchanged for a different flashlight should the need for an
additional function arise, such as for example, in infra-red
applications. In these situations, the user must carry several
different lighting devices with them so that, as the need arises,
the user can exchange lighting devices. In addition, should a
flashlight include multi-functional features, often the controls
are small and fussy making them difficult to operate in the typical
military environment where the user is often wearing gloves. In
these applications small buttons, sliders and knobs are nearly
impossible to operate in a reliable fashion.
[0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior
art devices, there is a need for a device that provides
multi-functionality in an improved flashlight construction that is
easier to operate and exhibits a high degree of reliability even in
the most rugged environment. There is a further need for a
multi-function flashlight that is modular in construction to
thereby allow the interchangeability of parts thereon so that the
flashlight can easily be maintained in operable condition.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a novel flashlight assembly
that includes multi-functionality yet is rugged and easy to
operate. The multi-function flashlight device of the present
invention is provided in either an all white light emitting diode
(LED) or a colored LED version that allows versatile functionality
as will be discussed in further detail below. Generally, the
flashlight of the present invention (regardless of white or colored
version) is fashioned to have an outer housing that includes both
an integrated means for interfacing the flashlight with a firearm
and a surface thereon that serves as a handgrip for assisting a
user in holding the firearm itself. The outer housing of the
flashlight in the present invention is configured to be engaged by
a clamping assembly that facilitates integration of the flashlight
with any of these standard accessory rail assemblies such that the
interface is a seamless and integrated feature of the outer housing
of the flashlight itself while eliminating the need for a band that
wraps entirely around the flashlight housing.
[0008] The flashlight head includes a high-output white LED
positioned centrally within an optical element such as a reflector
or lens. Should the flashlight be a colored light, four other
positions are provided around the periphery of the lens that
contain colored LEDs. For example, in a colored version of the
flashlight, the periphery LEDs can be provided as red, green, blue
and infrared while the central light is a high intensity white
light. In combination with the control mechanism that will be more
fully described below, this allows for a highly versatile and
multi-functional flashlight. It should also be appreciated that in
the white only version of the light, only the central white LED
will be provided and the four peripheral LEDs will not be
included.
[0009] The control for the multi-functionality of the flashlight of
the present invention is provided in a novel user interface
arrangement, wherein a combination of a momentary switch and a
variable resistance switch are employed to send control signals for
the operation of the light itself. To facilitate reliable
communication of these signals between the user interface switch
and the LED circuit board at the front of the flashlight, the
present invention employs a novel bus system. In this arrangement
there are three bus bars, one to bring power from the rear of the
light to the LED board at the front of the light and two to bring
signals from the momentary switch and the resistive switch
respectively.
[0010] A circuit board is provided in the user interface that
includes a variable resistance element formed thereon. The variable
resistance element may be formed as two continuous resistance
strips on the surface of the circuit board and a rotational member
in the user interface includes a wiper that bridges between the two
resistance strips. Rotation of the rotational member also serves to
rotate the wiper relative to the resistance strips. In addition, a
push button actuator in the user interface allows the user to press
the actuator that in turn depresses a dome switch to generate a
momentary contact signal. As was stated above, the power from the
rear terminal of the battery is transmitted up one of the bus bars,
the resistance signal as read between the resistance strips and the
wiper is sent up a second of the bus bars and the signal from the
push button switch is sent along the third bus bar. In operation,
the flashlight employs a combination of the resistance value
detected relative to the position of the wiper and the momentary
signal received from the push button switch in order to determine
the manner in which the user wants the flashlight to operate. In
essence, the resistive value toggles the flashlight through various
different operational modes such as momentary, full on, strobe,
programming mode, etc. While the push button is used in order to
determine the brightness or mode in which the flashlight will
operate.
[0011] Optionally, the continuous wiper arrangement of the variable
resistance element may be replaced with several indexed positions
that generate several different fixed and known resistive values.
In this regard, each rotation of the user interface moves the
indicator into a fixed resistance position that is read by the
operational circuit of the flashlight and is used to execute a
predetermined operational command. As a result the control
arrangement of the present invention facilitates an adaptive light
technology that allows the flashlight interface components and the
various different flashlights to adapt to one another allowing
interoperability.
[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a device that includes multi-functionality in an improved
flashlight construction that is easier to operate and exhibits a
high degree of reliability even in the most rugged environment. It
is a further object of the present invention to provide a
multi-function flashlight that is modular in construction to
thereby allow the interchangeability of parts thereon so that the
flashlight can easily be maintained in operable condition.
[0013] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with various features of novelty that characterize the invention,
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of
the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently
contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multi-functional
flashlight of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front end view of the multi-functional
flashlight of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the head portion of the
multi-functional flashlight of the present invention taken along
Line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view of the body of the multi-functional
flashlight of the present invention with the outer housing
removed;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the user interface user
interface of the multi-functional flashlight of the present
invention taken along Line 5-5 of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view of the user interface with the outer
housing removed to show the functional elements therein;
[0021] FIG. 7 depicts a first embodiment of the user interface;
[0022] FIG. 8 depicts an inverted view of a second embodiment of
the user interface;
[0023] FIG. 9 depicts a third embodiment of the user interface;
and
[0024] FIG. 10 provides a schematic illustration of the adaptive
operation of the flashlights of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Now referring to the drawings, the multi-functional
flashlight of the present invention is shown and generally
illustrated in the figures. The flashlight assembly of the present
invention that includes multi-functionality yet is rugged and easy
to operate. The flashlight is provided in either an all white LED
or a colored LED version that allows versatile functionality as
will be discussed in further detail below.
[0026] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the flashlight 10 generally
includes an outer housing 12 that has an outer surface with grooves
14 therein which serve as both an integrated means for interfacing
the flashlight with a firearm. The outer housing 12 includes a
first end 16 that receives a flashlight head 18 and a second end 20
that receives the user interface 22 in the form of a user interface
22 for controlling the operational aspects of the flashlight
10.
[0027] Turning to the outer housing 12 of the flashlight 10 in
detail, the outer housing 12 of the flashlight 10 can be seen to
include grooves 14 formed therein. The grooves 12 in the outer
housing 12 of the flashlight 10 serve both as a rugged gripping
surface and also as a means for interfacing the flashlight 10 with
a firearm (not shown). As was stated above, modern type firearms
generally include an interface rail integrated thereon for the
mounting of auxiliary devices. The rail is known in the art as a
Weaver type interface and takes the form of a rail having a
dovetail cross-sectional profile that extends over the receiver of
the firearm. Additionally, there are several supplemental rail
systems that mount onto such firearms by interfacing with the
Weaver rail on the firearm and extending along and around the
barrel to provide additional interface rails both along the top of
the firearm as well as at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions around
the barrel. All of the interface rails are provided having a
standardized profile and are configured specifically for the
mounting of various accessories depending on the type environment
in which the firearm will be used. The grooves 14 in the outer
housing 12 of the flashlight 10 in the present invention are
configured to be engaged by a clamping assembly (not shown) that
facilitates integration of the flashlight 10 with any of these
standard accessory rail assemblies such that the interface is a
seamless and integrated feature of the outer housing 12 of the
flashlight itself.
[0028] Additionally, the outer housing 12 of the flashlight 10 can
be seen to include openings 24 therein adjacent the flashlight head
18. The openings 24 are positioned such that waste heat generated
during operation of the flashlight head 18 can easily be dissipated
away from the flashlight 10 and to the ambient environment via the
openings 24 as will be discussed in detail below. The outer housing
12 can also be seen to include a mounting platform 26 consisting of
two spaced apart raised structures to which a belt clip 28 is
fastened. The raised structures of the mounting platform 26
cooperate with the belt clip 28 to enclose a hole 30 therethrough
such that a lanyard can be affixed to the flashlight 10 if so
desired by the user.
[0029] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3 in combination, a front view of
the flashlight 10 and a cross-sectional view of the flashlight head
18 are shown. As can be seen in these figures, the flashlight 10
includes at least one LED 32 depicted centrally. This first LED 32
is preferably a high-output LED but could be any type LED suitable
for such an application. Further, while the first LED 32 is
preferable white in color, it could also be red, green, blue,
infrared or ultraviolet. The first LED 32 is shown positioned
within a reflector 34. While a reflector 34 will assist in greatly
improving the illumination efficiency of the flashlight 10, it can
be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the reflector 34 is
not required. Further, it is also possible within the scope of the
present invention that an alternate optical element be employed in
place of the reflector 34 such as for example a lens or a total
internal reflector (TIR) lens device and that any such variation is
intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Around
the outer peripheral edge 36 of the front end of the flashlight
housing 12, at least one LED 38 can be seen. Preferably a plurality
of LEDs 38 are provided at the peripheral edge 36. Further, while
the LEDs 38 can be seen to be evenly spaced around the peripheral
edge 36 of the flashlight housing 12, these LEDs 38 could also be
grouped together and still fall within the intended scope of the
present invention. The peripheral LEDs 38 may be matched in color
with the first LED 32. Similarly, they may be matched in color with
one another yet be different in color from the first LED 32.
Finally, the peripheral LEDs 38 may be different in color from the
first LED 32 and from one another. While the peripheral LEDs 38 may
be of any color, it is preferred that the periphery LEDs 38 be
provided in a color such as red, green, blue, white, ultraviolet
and/or infrared. In combination with the control mechanism of the
user interface 22 that will be more fully described below, this
allows for a highly versatile and multi-functional flashlight 10.
It should also be appreciated that in the white only version of the
light, only the central white LED 32 will be provided and the four
peripheral LEDs 38 may or may not be included.
[0030] The overall flashlight head assembly 18 can be seen to be
received into the first end 16 of the flashlight 10 outer housing
12. The flashlight head assembly 18 is contained within a housing
40 that is also formed to function as a heat sink. The housing 40
may be of any suitable material but is preferably formed from a
thermally conductive material and more preferably is formed from a
thermally conductive metal material. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the
flashlight head 18 housing 40 is positioned such that its outer
surface is adjacent the vent openings 24 provided in the flashlight
10 housing 12 thereby allowing dissipation of the heat generated
during the operation of the LEDs to the ambient environment. The
first LED 32 can be seen positioned on a circuit board 42 that is
received into the cavity 44 formed by the flashlight head 18
housing 40 while the peripheral LEDs 38 can be seen to be installed
onto a circuit board 46 that is seated at the peripheral edge 36 of
the housing 40. In the preferred embodiment, the circuit board 42
onto which the first LED 32 is installed and the circuit board 46
onto which the peripheral LEDs 38 are installed are in thermal
communication with the thermally conductive surfaces of the heat
sink and more preferably a thermal grease, thermal adhesive or
another type of thermally conductive interface is provided
therebewteen to ensure superior thermal conductivity between these
components.
[0031] Electrical communication is facilitated between the circuit
board 42 onto which the first LED 32 is installed and the circuit
board 46 onto which the peripheral LEDs 38 are installed using
flexible circuit traces such as wire conductors or more preferably
ribbon cable 48. As can be appreciated, while the LEDs can share
one common electrical terminal, to facilitate individual control of
the first LED 32 and the peripheral LEDs 38, they must each also
have an individually addressable or controllable electrical
terminal. In this manner, a ribbon conductor 48 having several
conductive leads contained therein provides an easy means for
providing the necessary electrical connectivity between the two
circuit boards 42,46.
[0032] While the operational, light emitting portions of the
flashlight 10 are provided in the flashlight head assembly 18, the
control for the multi-functionality of the flashlight 10 of the
present invention is provided in a novel user interface 22 at the
tail cap arrangement of the present invention, wherein as will be
discussed in detail below, a combination of a momentary switch and
a variable resistance switch are employed to send control signals
for the operation of the light itself. To facilitate reliable
communication of these signals between the user interface 22 of the
tail cap switch and the flashlight head assembly 18 at the front of
the flashlight 10, the present invention employs a novel bus system
as can best be seen in FIG. 4. In the most general sense,
electrical conductors 50a, 50b, 50c must be provided along the
interior of the flashlight 10 outer housing 12 to provide
electrical connectivity from the first end of the housing 12 to the
second end of the housing 12. More preferably, the electrical
connectivity between the first end of the housing 12 and the second
end of the housing 12 is achieved using electrical conductors 50a,
50b, 50c in the form of bus bars that are slidably installed into
channels on the interior sidewall of the flashlight 10 housing 12.
The bus bars 50a, 50b, 50c are spring loaded in a manner wherein
the springs 52 at the front end of the bus bars 50a, 50b, 50c urge
the bus bars 50a, 50b, 50c rearwardly towards the tail cap of the
flashlight 10. A power supply 58 in the form of batteries can also
be seen to be contained in the flashlight housing 12 adjacent the
bus bars 50a, 50b, 50c between the head assembly 18 and the user
interface 22. What is notable about this particular arrangement is
that the contact pads 54 at the tail cap user interface 22 with
which the bus bars 50a, 50b, 50c engage are provided as contact
pads that are integrated or formed directly into the threads 56 of
the user interface 22 itself. As the user interface 22 is
installed, the threads 56 of the user interface 22 depress the bus
bars 50a, 50b, 50c urging them downwardly against the spring bias.
The user interface 22 is then rotated until it is fully threaded
onto the flashlight body and the contact pads 54 in the threads 56
are positioned in contact with their respective bus bars 50a, 50b,
50c. In this arrangement there are three bus bars 50a, 50b, 50c,
wherein one bus bar 50c one brings power from the rear of the light
to the flashlight head assembly 18 at the front of the light and
two to bring signals from the momentary switch and the rotary
switch respectively within the user interface 22. It is of note
that the power contact is the last contact (the one shown at the
right side of FIG. 4) to be made as the user interface 22 is
installed onto the flashlight 10. This is an important feature
because it prevents the power contact from coming into contact with
the two other signal contacts in the flashlight, thereby preventing
power surges from entering the two signal circuits as the user
interface 22 is installed. This arrangement insures positive and
reliable contact between the user interface 22 flashlight and the
operational head of the flashlight in virtually any condition and
under shock loading. It should be further appreciated by one
skilled in the relevant art that the user interface could be
affixed to the housing in any manner of ways including: threads,
cam lock and hinge as well as any other feasible manner.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 5, a cross-section through the user
interface 22 of the present invention is generally shown. The user
interface 22 includes a rotary actuator 60 and a pushbutton or
momentary actuator 62 to facilitate complex multi-functionality in
the flashlight 10 of the present invention. The rotary actuator 60
is received about the threaded portion 64 of the user interface 22.
The rotary actuator 60 can be rotated to various positions relative
to the user interface 22 to allow the user to make flashlight
operational mode selections. Preferably the rotary actuator 60 is
indexed relative to the threaded portion 64 of the user interface
22 and/or relative to indications contained on the outer housing to
allow the user to reliably position the rotary actuator 60 in the
various mode selection positions. Rotation of the rotary actuator
60 causes rotation of a wiper 66 assembly affixed thereto relative
to a circuit board 68 to generate a first signal as will be
described in detail below. Additionally, the momentary actuator 62
can be seen slidably received into the center of the rotary
actuator 60 such that the momentary actuator 62 is spring biased
rearwardly in the flashlight 10. A cover 70 is received over the
momentary actuator 62 to seal the end of the flashlight 10 against
the infiltration of water and debris. The momentary actuator 62
when depressed contacts a spring switch 72 such as a dome switch or
the like to create a momentary second signal for controlling the
flashlight 10. In operation, therefore, power from the power supply
58 is transmitted along one contact 74 within the threaded portion
of the user interface 22. The power is transmitted to the front of
the flashlight using the bus bar 50c and is also transmitted to the
circuit board 68 beneath the wiper and the post 76 beneath the
momentary contact switch 72. The first signal generated by the
rotary actuator 60 is then transmitted down a second of the bus
bars 50a to the front of the flashlight and the second signal
generated by the momentary actuator 72 is transmitted down a third
of the bus bars 50b to the front of the flashlight.
[0034] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the details of the
construction of a first embodiment user interface 22 for the
flashlight 10 are shown. The circuit board 68 includes an
adjustable resistance type structure one or both of the continuous
strips 78 are resistive strips formed on the surface thereof and
the rotary actuator 60 includes a wiper 66 affixed to the end
thereof that bridges between the two resistance strips 68. While in
the context of the present invention, resistance will be used
hereinafter as the signal being generated, the principal of the
present invention is directed to using electronic devices having a
measurable value wherein a measured value corresponding to the
electronic device provides the signal that is read. In this regard,
the electronic devices could be any such device having a measurable
value such as for example, resistors, capacitors or inductors.
Accordingly, while for the remainder of this specification, the
signal will be referred to as resistance values and the electronic
devices as resistors, any other suitable electronic device having a
measurable value could easily be substituted and still fall within
the scope of the present invention.
[0035] Turning back to FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen that rotation
of the rotary actuator 60 also serves to rotate the wiper 66
relative to the resistance strips 68 creating a higher resistance
value across the wiper contacts 66. In addition, a momentary
actuator 62 in the user interface 22 allows the user to press the
momentary actuator 62 that in turn contacts a dome switch 72 to
generate a momentary contact signal. As was stated above, the power
from the rear terminal of the power supply 58 is transmitted up one
of the bus bars 50c, the resistance signal as read between the
resistance strips 78 and the wiper 66 is sent up a second of the
bus bars 50a and the signal from the momentary actuator 62 is sent
along the third bus bar 50b. In operation, the flashlight 10
employs a combination of the resistance value detected at the wiper
66 and the momentary signal received from the momentary actuator 62
in order to determine the manner in which the user wants the
flashlight 10 to operate. In essence, the momentary actuator 62
toggles the flashlight 10 through various different operational
modes such as momentary, full on, strobe, programming mode, etc.
While the resistive value is used in order to determine the
function or brightness at which the flashlight 10 will operate.
[0036] In addition, the programming of the flashlight includes
commands whereby if the user engages the said momentary selector
for less than a predetermined period of time the flashlight is
energized in a first mode while engaging the momentary selector for
longer than the predetermined period of time causes the flashlight
to be energized in a second mode. In this application such first
and second modes may be selected from the group consisting of:
programming, momentary, strobe, constant on, high brightness and
low brightness. More preferably the first and second modes are
selected from the group consisting of: momentary and constant on.
Additionally, while the predetermined time threshold may be any
duration, in the context of the present invention the predetermined
time is of a value that is less than 1 second. More preferably, the
predetermined period of time is less than one half second.
[0037] Turning now to FIG. 8, the details of a second embodiment
user interface 122 for the flashlight 10 are shown. While this
embodiment still employs the momentary contact 62, the continuous
resistive strips on the circuit board are replaced with a circuit
board 168 containing plurality of individual contact pads 178 in
indexed positions. A plurality of resistors 179 having different
resistive values are arranged such that each of the resistors 179
is positioned in electrical communication with the indexed contact
pads 178. When the wiper 66 is rotated into position so that it is
in contact with the contact pads 178, a signal is provided that
corresponds to a fixed and known resistive value corresponding to
the resistor 179 in that position. In this regard, each rotation of
the user interface 122 to an indexed location moves the wiper 66
into a fixed resistance position that is read by the operational
circuit of the flashlight and is used to execute a predetermined
operational command. In this mode, one of the positions corresponds
to a program mode where when positioned here, depressions of the
pushbutton switch then cycles the light through its various color
options, red, green, blue, ultraviolet, infrared and white, for
example. Once the color operation is selected, then rotation to the
other positions correspond to other functions such as high and low
power, momentary operation, etc. Once the mode is set, depression
of the momentary contact then launches that operation.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 9, the details of a third embodiment
user interface 222 for the flashlight are shown. In this
embodiment, the rotary selector and the momentary contact are
removed and a wire 224 is extended out from the user interface 222
to a tape switch 226 arrangement. The tape switch 226 includes two
push buttons 228, 230. The flashlight technology of the present
invention allows the flashlight to be adaptive to the particular
user interface that is installed thereon thereby allowing the
flashlight itself to sense whether the interface is actually a
rotary interface or a tape switch interface. The two buttons 228,
230 on the tape switch 226 are in electrical communication with the
bus bars 50a, 50b and 50c and serve to send a signal to the
flashlight along the bus bars in the same fashion as does the
rotary actuator. This interface 222 is constructed to be modular so
that it can be interchanged with the user interface 22 and 122
embodiments described above. In operation, the push buttons 228,
230 both generate signals that have a resistance value that is
nearly zero as compared to the various contact positions in the
rotary actuator. When such a signal having nearly zero resistance
is received at the controls in the flashlight, the flashlight knows
that a tape switch 226 instead of a rotary actuator is controlling
it.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 10 a schematic diagram is shown
depicting the interrelationship between the flashlight in either a
color version 10a shown at the left and an all white version 10b
shown at the right, the user interfaces 22 and 222 and the control
system within the flashlights 10a, 10b. Within each of the
flashlights 10a, 10b memory chip 90a, 90b is provided wherein the
memory chip 90a, 90b has instructions for controlling the
functionality of the flashlight. In a color version of the
flashlight 10a, the memory chip 90a includes a plurality of
instruction sets 91, 92 that provide unique operating instructions
93, 94 depending on the interface 22, 222 that is installed and the
manner in which the interface 22, 222 is operated. Similarly, in an
all white version of the flashlight 10b, the memory chip 90b
includes a plurality of instruction sets 95, 96 that provide unique
operating instructions 97, 98 depending on the interface 22, 222
that is installed and the manner in which the interface 22, 222 is
operated. When for example a rotary interface 22 is installed onto
either of the flashlights, the flashlight identifies the interface
as being a rotary interface 22 based on the existence of resistive
signals therein and accordingly selects instruction set 1-C 91 in a
color flashlight 10a or 1-W 95 in a white flashlight 10b. Then as
the rotary interface 22 is operated as described above distinct
resistive signals are sent to the controller and the function 93
corresponding to that resistive signal is selected from the memory
chip 90a and is employed to energize the flashlight 10a. For
example, if the resistive value is A-Ohms, then the function 93
selected is the function corresponding to A-Ohms and so on.
[0040] Should a tape switch interface 222 be installed onto either
of the flashlights 10a, 10b, the flashlight identifies the
interface based on the lack of resistive signals therein and
accordingly selects instruction set 2-C 92 in a color flashlight
10a or 2-W 96 in an all white flashlight 10b. Then as the interface
222 is operated as described above distinct signals are sent from
the discrete pushbuttons 228, 230 to the controller and the
function 94, 98 corresponding to that signal is selected from the
memory chip 90a, 90b and is employed to energize the flashlight
10a, 10b. For example, if Signal 1 is received, then the function
994, 98 selected is the function corresponding to Signal 1 and so
on.
[0041] In terms of a method of operating a flashlight, a flashlight
including a plurality of memory registers therein is provided. In
addition at least two user interfaces for controlling the
flashlight are provide. The user selects and installs one of the at
least two user interfaces onto the flashlight to operate the
flashlight. When operated the user interface generates a signal
that is received by a controller within the flashlight. Based on
the signal received, the controller selects a set of operational
instructions from a corresponding memory register on a memory
storage chip within the flashlight and energizes the flashlight
based on the operation of the user interface and in accordance with
the selected set of operational instructions. Further, it can be
appreciated that the method anticipates the use of a user interface
such as those already described in detail herein and therefore such
user interfaces operate as described in detail above. In addition,
such a method provides for those operational modes as were
described above
[0042] It can be appreciated that all of the components of the
flashlight may be milled or cast from metallic materials.
Similarly, the materials may be molded from high strength polymer
materials. Finally, the materials may be insert molded using a
combination of metallic and polymer components as may be necessary
to create the durability and strength demanded by the
application.
[0043] It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides
an improved flashlight construction that includes
multi-functionality in an interface that is easier to operate and
exhibits a high degree of reliability even in the most rugged
environment. Further, the present invention provides a
multi-function flashlight that is modular in construction to
thereby allow the interchangeability of parts thereon so that the
flashlight can easily be maintained in operable condition. For
these reasons, the instant invention is believed to represent a
significant advancement in the art, which has substantial
commercial merit.
[0044] While there is shown and described herein certain specific
structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those
skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of
the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not
limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except
insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *